Trump Warns India of Higher US Tariffs Over Russian Oil Imports

US May Raise Tariffs on India Over Russian Oil Imports, Trump Warns

Washington | Chatzyr.net

The United States could impose higher tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi fails to reduce its purchases of Russian oil, US President Donald Trump said, raising fresh concerns over India-US trade relations.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he had made his displeasure clear to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding India’s continued imports of Russian crude.

“Modi is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy,” Trump said. He added that the US has the ability to raise tariffs on India very quickly if trade concerns are not addressed.

The comments came in response to questions about India’s ongoing Russian oil purchases, which Washington has repeatedly urged New Delhi to curb. India’s commerce ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

US Tariffs on Indian Goods Already at 50%

Last year, the US doubled import tariffs on Indian products to 50%, citing India’s heavy buying of Russian oil as the reason. Despite the steep tariffs, India’s exports to the US surged in November, according to trade data.

Buoyed by the rise in exports, Indian officials have taken a firm stance in trade negotiations with Washington. They have shown limited flexibility on US demands, particularly in sensitive areas such as agricultural imports.

India Monitoring Oil Imports Amid Trade Talks

At the same time, data indicates that India’s imports of Russian oil have begun to decline. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the government has asked oil refiners to submit weekly reports on Russian and US oil purchases.

Officials expect Russian crude imports to fall below 1 million barrels per day, as India seeks to finalize a trade agreement with the United States.

Prime Minister Modi has spoken with Trump at least three times by phone since the tariffs were imposed, but the talks have yet to produce a breakthrough.

Last month, India’s Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer in New Delhi to discuss bilateral trade, tariffs, and economic cooperation, signaling that negotiations remain ongoing.